After months of anticipation following its Gamescom 2025 announcement, Dawn of War IV finally showed actual gameplay footage during PC Gaming Show Tokyo Direct. The 90-second in-engine trailer delivers everything fans hoped for: massive Space Marine vs Ork battles, the return of beloved planet Kronus, and that signature Dawn of War atmosphere that made the original a legendary RTS experience. But it’s also sparked some heated debates within the Warhammer 40K community about voice acting and visual choices.
Set 200 years after Dark Crusade, the gameplay footage shows the Blood Ravens Space Marines and their new Adeptus Mechanicus allies facing brutal Ork hordes before an ancient Necron threat emerges to complicate everything. It’s classic Dawn of War storytelling with modern production values, and the tactical combat looks appropriately chaotic for the grim darkness of the far future.
Back to the RTS Roots
The gameplay trailer confirms what KING Art Games promised – this is a proper return to Dawn of War’s original formula. Base building is back, armies are massive, and the strategic depth that made the first game special appears intact. Players can see Tech-Priests coordinating with Space Marines, Ork Boyz charging into combat with their trademark “WAAAGH!” battle cries, and the devastating firepower that defines Warhammer 40K warfare.
The in-engine footage showcases the revamped Sync Kill system, delivering more cinematic melee combat than previous entries. When a Space Marine tackles an Ork or a Necron Warrior phases through enemy lines, the animations look visceral and appropriately brutal for the setting.
Confirmed Gameplay Features
- Four distinct factions: Space Marines, Orks, Adeptus Mechanicus, and Necrons
- Classic base-building with resource management systems
- Enhanced Sync Kill system for cinematic melee combat
- Large-scale battles supporting massive army compositions
- Co-op campaign support for two players throughout all missions
The Controversy Over Voice Acting
While excitement runs high for the gameplay mechanics, the community has zeroed in on one specific concern: the Space Marine voice work. Long-time fans are requesting the return of the distinctive metallic “vox” filter that gave Space Marine communications their iconic sound in earlier games.
The current voice lines feel too clean and human for many players who remember the atmospheric radio chatter from the original Dawn of War. Comments across YouTube and Reddit consistently ask developers to “bring back the metallic vox texture” that made Space Marine voices feel authentically enhanced by their power armor systems.
Similar criticism has emerged regarding Necron voice lines, with fans noting they need more otherworldly impact to match the ancient, terrifying nature of these mechanical undead warriors. The community clearly holds strong opinions about audio authenticity in the Warhammer 40K universe.
Adeptus Mechanicus Makes Their Dawn of War Debut
The most exciting addition showcased in the gameplay footage is the Adeptus Mechanicus, making their first appearance as a playable faction in Dawn of War history. Tech-Priests coordinate battlefield operations while servitors and skitarii infantry provide tactical support to Space Marine forces.
The trailer shows Tech-Priests declaring “In the Omnissiah’s name!” and “Unleash the fury of the Machine!” as they command mechanical forces across Kronus. Their unique blend of religious fervor and technological superiority promises gameplay mechanics distinct from the other three factions.
KING Art Games appears to have captured the Adeptus Mechanicus aesthetic perfectly – their units look appropriately cybernetic while maintaining the grimdark atmosphere that defines Warhammer 40K. Seeing them fight alongside Blood Ravens creates interesting tactical possibilities for campaign missions.
Campaign Scale and Story Details
Dawn of War IV promises the largest campaign in series history with over 70 missions across dedicated storylines for each faction. Black Library author John French co-wrote the narrative, ensuring authentic Warhammer 40K storytelling that respects the established lore.
The return to Kronus provides perfect setup for epic confrontations. Players familiar with Dark Crusade will recognize locations and understand the strategic importance of this contested world. However, 200 years have passed, creating opportunities for new conflicts and faction dynamics.
Each faction receives its own campaign with unique commanders, units, and gameplay mechanics. The trailer hints at returning characters like Jonah and Gorgutz, suggesting continuity with beloved Dawn of War personalities while introducing fresh elements for longtime fans.
Multiplayer and Customization Features
Beyond the single-player campaign, Dawn of War IV includes comprehensive multiplayer support with 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3 matches. The beloved Last Stand co-op mode returns, allowing players to defend against endless enemy waves with customized hero units.
A Painter tool enables army customization, letting players create unique color schemes or recreate established Warhammer 40K chapters and clans. This feature addresses one of the most requested elements from the community – the ability to personalize military forces while maintaining setting authenticity.
Skirmish battles against AI provide practice opportunities and casual gameplay for players who prefer single-player experiences. The combination of campaign missions, multiplayer matches, and skirmish options creates substantial content variety.
Technical Presentation and Visual Design
The in-engine footage demonstrates impressive visual fidelity for a real-time strategy game. Environmental destruction appears substantial, with buildings collapsing and terrain deforming under heavy weapons fire. Particle effects for explosions, muzzle flashes, and psychic powers look appropriately spectacular.
Unit animations show significant improvement over previous Dawn of War entries. Space Marines move with appropriate weight and authority, while Ork charges feel chaotic and unpredictable. The scale appears massive, with dozens of units engaging simultaneously across detailed battlefields.
However, some fans have noted concerns about color saturation and overall visual tone. The debate continues over whether the graphics capture the grimdark aesthetic perfectly or lean too heavily toward brighter, more colorful presentation.
Release Timeline and Platform Availability
Dawn of War IV launches in 2026 exclusively for PC via Steam, with no console versions announced. The development team at KING Art Games appears focused on delivering the definitive PC RTS experience rather than adapting controls for gamepad input.
Pre-orders and wishlisting are available on Steam, though specific release dates remain unconfirmed. Given the substantial campaign content and multiplayer features promised, a 2026 launch provides adequate development time for polish and balance testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Dawn of War IV release?
The game launches in 2026 exclusively for PC via Steam. No specific release date has been announced yet, but development appears progressing well based on the in-engine footage.
Which factions are playable at launch?
Four factions are confirmed: Space Marines (Blood Ravens), Orks, Necrons, and Adeptus Mechanicus making their Dawn of War debut. Each faction has unique campaigns and gameplay mechanics.
Is this a return to the original Dawn of War gameplay?
Yes, the game emphasizes classic base-building, large armies, and strategic depth from the original rather than the squad-based approach of Dawn of War II.
How large is the campaign?
Over 70 missions are planned across dedicated storylines for each faction, making this the largest Dawn of War campaign ever created. Co-op support is available throughout.
Will multiplayer modes be included?
Yes, the game includes 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3 multiplayer, the returning Last Stand co-op mode, AI skirmishes, and army customization through a Painter tool.
What’s the setting for Dawn of War IV?
The game takes place on planet Kronus approximately 200 years after the events of Dawn of War: Dark Crusade, featuring familiar locations with new conflicts.
Who wrote the story for Dawn of War IV?
Black Library author John French co-wrote the narrative, ensuring authentic Warhammer 40K storytelling that respects established lore and characters.
Conclusion
The Dawn of War IV gameplay trailer delivers on most of the promises made since its Gamescom announcement. Classic RTS mechanics return with modern visual fidelity, the campaign scope appears massive, and the addition of Adeptus Mechanicus creates exciting tactical possibilities. While community debates over voice acting and visual choices show how passionate fans remain about authenticity, the core gameplay looks solid.
KING Art Games faces the challenging task of satisfying both longtime Dawn of War veterans and newcomers to the franchise. The gameplay footage suggests they understand what made the original special while adding modern innovations that enhance rather than replace the classic formula. When Dawn of War IV launches in 2026, it could mark the triumphant return of one of PC gaming’s most beloved RTS franchises – assuming they address those voice acting concerns before release.